fullybookedpenguin's reviews
124 reviews

Just Don't Fall by Emma St. Clair

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I'm usually not a fan of the amnesia trope but fortunately with this book it was written in a way that didn't annoy me.
I also preferred Roman and Iris's relationship in this book.
The pacing was slightly off, I actually enjoyed it for 70% of the book but I felt the final 'battle' with Dacre was pretty lack lustre and the surrounding wrapping up fell flat.
Overall I enjoyed it more than Divine Rivals, but the last 30% definitely could have had more spark.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Okay, I know I probably should have been prepared, especially considering the themes a lot of JDramas, etc. like to highlight, but I wasn't expecting the emotional, tear inducing tales that came from this cafe!
I started thinking I was stepping into a cosy, reflective time and got heart rendering stories instead.
While I now sport a crying induced headache, it was a book written with depth and heart, so I've got to say it was really great! But just don't forget your tissues!

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Content Warnings

Minor: Chronic illness, Death, Grief, Abortion, and Pregnancy

The Green Ember by S.D. Smith
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.

Just dont think bunny adventures is for me.

Crown of Shadows by K.M. Shea

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Great to be back into the world of Magiford and to learn about my new gal, Leila. 
Leila has wit and humour and along with her new loyal, cute in personality maybe not so cute in looks, animal/creature companions, she sets out to teach the fey Night Court a few lessons!
K.M. Shea is fantastic at writing humorous banter and characters, and, while not all the fey are the most likeable, our main character does not disappoint. Leila is still trying her best in a new world which she was hoping to avoid like it was the plague...but life doesn't always go as we want it to.
Let's all admit the fey creatures are the real pals in this book!
Can't wait to read on~

Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 27 by Mizuho Kusanagi

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This volume started off as a goofy time, but quickly turned back into the political and war themes that run through this series. But the crew are all together and so we're happy...for now.
The bonus chapters were interesting and fun, but poor Ao and her empty cheeks, somebody get Ao some acorns ASAP!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, and War

The Sister of the South by Emily Rodda, Marc McBride

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I tossed up how to rate this book but settled on 2.5 mid rating because the final part and epilogue of this book (and ultimately the end scenes of the series) just wasn't satisfying.
The 'final' evil battle didn't have any build up to feel as momentous as it should have been, so it fell flat and this is too long of a series to have our happy? ending wrapped up in 2 pages. It was a dark journey and we just get a list of all the friends made along the way and zero show and all tell.
It was just disappointing.
Again the writing up to that point is tense and creative, especially with the puzzles, but the ending left me going 'meh'.

Father, I don't Want this Marriage: Vol. 1 by Roal, Heesu Hong, Yuri

emotional funny mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This manhwa has a very different art style from others but I actually find it charming and the little chibi moments or warped expressions are hilarious.
I'm liking the characters so far, and Juvelian is a cute, fun and quirky character to follow. Of course I believe that her father, and other characters have secret sides to each of them too.
I'm looking forward to exploring the rest of the volumes!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide

Minor: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

adventurous emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I enjoyed learning about Roman and Iris and the plot involving the typewriters was fun. Ofcourse with any plot involving war there are sad moments, but it was balanced out with the romance so I wasnt overly anxious reading about it. I did foresee a lot of the little plot-twists and it's not hard to see details/subplots that I'm sure are going to be explored in the second book either. It does mean I'm kind of reluctant to read on, but I think seeing where Roman and Iris end up is enough for me to continue.
Due to this being a duology series, it does end on a cliffhanger.

Isle of the Dead by Emily Rodda

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Thanks the heavens the crew seem to have regained their brains that they seemed to lose in Shadowgate. Everyone used their wits and knowledge this time and it made me very happy. 🤣
The mystery and adventures and dragons in this part were my favourite and there was a lot of spooky pirate ship vibes.
Now to see if Lief can save Deltora in the final part!